Summer Vacation, Day 9: Whitsand Bay

July 19, 2026 · 2 min read · 4 visits

From Ladram Bay we moved on to Whitsand Bay in Cornwall, around 120 km, through Plymouth and over the Tamar Bridge. The campsite is on top of an old fort but pretty run down.

Looking down on the California's pop-up roof from above, the sea behind — Our campervan standing between the outer and inner walls of the fort.

The Tamar Bridge is a historical bridge and was half-turned into a toll bridge facing eastwards, and free to pass westwards into Cornwall. That last night at Ladram Bay was very noisy, at its core it is a holiday park with lots of people that are excited for their annual vacation, including parties. For two nights we are staying at Whitsand Bay Fort. We arrived early at the site as we promised the kids two days at a sandy beach. The path down the cliff is brutal, both down and up. The tide has been impressive and the water retreats as far as 300 m, we went for walks along the water line, scouted for crabs and the boys played in the pools of warm water the tide left behind. The weather is great, low 20s °C, light wind and sunshine. Tomorrow it will be another day at the beach. There’s close to no phone reception so this post goes online with a delay once I found a spot with sufficient reception.

Long sandy beach of Whitsand Bay below the cliffs — Haze in the air reduced the view distance.

Aika lying in the shade of a rock on the sandy beach — Aika enjoying her day at the beach on the cold sand.

RNLI lifeguard boat on a trailer on the beach

Lifeguard carrying the red and yellow flags off the beach

Waxing crescent moon against the black night sky

Topics: Travel, Photography